Gone [Naruto fanfic]

#34

After Zaara disappeared from the hallway, I shut the door and went to take a much needed shower.

Struggling to comb my hair to make it easier to wash, I was met with little success. With a sigh, I gave up and got into the tub.

Half an hour later, I felt refreshed (and also less dead). Grabbing my only set of casual clothing, which consisted of a white tunic and a pair of loose black pants, I decided to visit Kakashi-sensei before I hit the books to prepare myself for Tsunade's tutoring.

I didn't have a reason to rush, so I walked instead of ran. The Leaf village was bustling with activity despite the recent events. The scents of delicious food wafted through the air, families roamed around the streets, and lively chatter was heard all around. Though it was almost autumn, some days could still be warm, but I had a feeling the heat would go away soon. I stopped by Granny Akane's shop to say hello, and then went to Ichiraku ramen for something to eat, resuming my walk to the hospital soon after.

Entering the air-conditioned hospital felt like a blessing. I had done my best to only move through shade, which had helped somewhat, but it had still been hot. 

I went up to the desk to explain my reason for being here, and the lady at the counter quickly let me pass, on the condition that I kept my visit short. It was unusually quiet inside the hallways. There wasn't a single nurse in sight as I came up from the stairwell. Walking down the hall, I stopped at Kakashi-sensei's room, and knocked lightly.

"Come in."

Sliding the door open a bit, I stepped inside.

Kakashi was sitting up, one of Jiraiya's books in his hands.
"Back so soon Safiya?"

I stopped dead at the mention of my former name.

"Oh, uh sorry-"

I held up a hand to interrupt him.

"You don't need to apologize Kakashi." I purposely didn't use the honorific, trying to indicate that in this current situation, we were friends and equals.

Walking over to his bed, I leaned against the windowsill.

"The medics didn't heal that up for you?" He gestured to the scabbed-over cut on my face.

"Nah, I asked them not to. It's not much more than a scratch,
It would've been a waste of chakra if they had healed it. And it will probably only leave a light scar that could fade." I replied, fingering the small line of scabs on my cheek.

"Kakashi, have you ever read anything besides Jiraiya's books?" I asked, changing the subject.

"Not really..." he scratched his head awkwardly.

"How about I get you a book? I was going to head over to the library anyways."

Kakashi looked at me like I had just said something insanely weird.

"What? I read story books too you know! When I'm not stuffing my head with jutsus and whatnot at least." I said, crossing my arms with a huff.

"But I like reading these."

"There are other books besides Jiraiya's porny ones." I replied with a sigh, "And besides, reading that kind of stuff is definitely not healthy." My finger pointed accusingly at the book in Kakashi's lap.

At first he looked slightly offended, but it changed to suspicion.

"If you're thinking that I might have a terrible taste in books and that I'll get you something absolutely awful, I'm telling you now that I won't."